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What you should know about Cary

The charming town of Cary in western Wake County, North Carolina, is located at the heart of the state’s celebrated Research Triangle region. Frequently ranked as one of the “Best Places to Live” in the US—and well-known as one of the country’s safest towns—this hilly municipality is full of pleasant green spaces that invite visitors to linger and unwind. Conveniently situated just 20 minutes east of downtown Raleigh, Cary provides an easily accessible base for your North Carolina adventure.

Hotels in Cary

Accommodation in Cary is plentiful and varied, with an extremely wide selection of hotels ranging from cheap and cheerful to high-quality offerings. For a little luxury, spoil yourself at the 4.5-star Umstead Hotel and Spa. This top-rated Cary hotel is situated in beautiful natural surroundings and offers indulgent spa treatments like aromatherapy massages and rejuvenating facials. 3-star hotels in Cary include the Homewood Suites Raleigh - Cary, which guests can enter by crossing a picturesque bridge, and the Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh/Cary, featuring a seasonal outdoor pool and a fitness center. The town also has a number of excellent-value budget hotels, such as the Hampton Inn Raleigh Cary.

Things to see in Cary

Cary boasts an impressive number of beautifully managed green spaces for visitors to enjoy. Hikers and wildlife lovers flock to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, on the town’s southern border, to take advantage of over 3 miles of maintained trails across this scenic 140-acre parkland. The hikes range from easy to challenging and the on-site education center provides information on the unique flora, fauna, and history of this wonderful preserve. Close by Hemlock Bluffs is another favorite Cary attraction, Regency Park, which is home to the beloved Koka Booth Amphitheater. This outdoor performance venue hosts everything from concerts to summer movie nights, and also welcomes the North Carolina Symphony's annual Summerfest Series. For an active day out, head to Fred G. Bond Metropolitan Park, popular with everyone from mountain bikers to joggers. This 310-acre park has an impressive array of amenities, from boat rental and a challenge ropes course to family-friendly picnic facilities.

Good for nature lovers

If you’re looking for a taste of the outdoors during your North Carolina vacation, then a hotel in Cary is a great option. The town contains a superb collection of parks and preserves that are perfect for exploring the area’s rich natural bounty. North Carolina’s subtropical climate makes for a huge diversity of plant life, including the protected crop of Eastern Hemlock trees at Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve. The friendly staff at the preserve's education center will be more than happy to provide insight into all the state’s native species.

How to get to Cary

Cary is connected to a host of domestic and foreign destinations via the nearby Raleigh-Durham International Airport. It’s just 15 minutes by rental car or taxi from the airport to Cary, and if you’d prefer to take public transport, then the municipal bus service will have you in there in 40 minutes. National railway provider Amtrak has a station in Cary, connecting the town with several US cities. The local C-Tran bus service is a cheap option for getting around Cary, and the town’s transportation network also includes an impressive number of bike lanes—perfect for outdoors types looking to explore on 2 wheels!